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near the house of another, within the town, under a penalty of 100 shillings, to be levied for the belltower; and every one shall remove his fursreke before "Michaelmas next, under the same penalty." From the above we may conclude that the quarry worked for the stone of the bell-tower was in the comparative vicinity of the town, that it was situate near to the river, and that the stone was brought up the river by barge. Annexed to this roll is a parchment copy of an indenture executed by John Burhed, the Mayor of Totteneys, to James Chudley, Sheriff of Devon, 12th October, 29 Henry VI. [A.D. 1450]; appointing, with the assent of the Bailiffs and Commonalty of the town, Thomas Calwodeley and John Hobbys, to be Members of Parliament. The Sheriff's Precept is also annexed.

A parchment Roll, one membrane, of the Mayor's Law Court, 30 Henry VI. [A.D. 1451, 2]. In this year, an ordinance is made that the Mayor and Vicar, with the Proctors of the Church, shall go round the town to examine the parishioners, and see how much each will give "of his own free will" upon Sundays, to the work of the new bell-tower, between then-the Tuesday next after the Epiphany-and the first Law Court after Easter. The Mayor and Proctors are empowered also to levy money on the Sundays. Among other ordinances then made, it is ordered that no one shall harbour a beggar beyond a day and a night. The receivers of the vill are to repair the well "near to the Pillory ;" and are to enclose it with a wall, and put there a crobbe [? a wooden roof], with a cover over the well.

A Roll, of nine membranes of parchment, containing proceedings of the Mayor's Law Court, beginning 5 Edward IV. [A.D. 1465, 6]. They are written upon on both sides: amercements and summonses in pleas of debt seem to be mostly the contents.

A parchment Roll, one membrane, of the Mayor's Law Court, 15 Edward IV. [A.D. 1475, 6]. In this roll the town wells are called " Lechwill," "Horpyswill," and

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Slatswill." The "Well near to the Pillory" (Fons juxta Pilloriam) is also named; "St. Nicholas' Well," and the "Well known as Brasyetyswille." Among the suggestions made by the Jury is (tr.):-"That the Mayor "shall warn Elena Browne to finish the work of the "seats in the church (opus sedilis ecclesiæ) with all "possible haste, or else compel her by process of law." At another Court holden in the same year, the following ordinance is made (tr.): :- "Also, that the Churchwardens shall see to this being done by the poor. persons who dwell in the churchyard: they are to remove and clear away all the herbs that have been planted before and near to their doors, so that the procession for the next Lent may be a large one, and becoming; on pain of being expelled therefrom." At another Court, the Jury order that the Bridgewardens shall repair, and complete the reparation of, the bridge at Bryggetone [now Bridgetown, on the other side of the bridge] with all possible speed. Also, that the Churchwardens shall charge nothing for the use of vestments at the burial of the dead, or for holding Obits in the Parish Church; save only, on the burial of strangers. An Assessment Roll of the inhabitants is annexed.

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A parchment Roll, containing nine membranes, of the Mayor's Law Court, 2 and 3 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1510 12].

Two parchment Rolls of Estreats of the Mayor's Law Court, 16 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1412, 3].

Two parchment Rolls of the Mayor's Law Court, 16 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1524, 5].

Eleven paper Rolls of the Mayor's Law Court, 16 and 17 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1524-6]: for the most part, they contain lengthy pleas of land.

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A mutilated Roll of paper, consisting of two large sheets pasted together, containing, partly, an account (in Latin) of rights and usages pertaining to the town of Totnes; and, partly, extracts from early British history, founded apparently on the narrative of Geoffrey of Monmouth. The following is a note as to the four bells then belonging to the Parish Church (tr.):"On the Monday next after the Feast of the Transla"tion of Saint Thomas the Martyr, in the year of our Lord 1442, John, Bishop of Olien (Episcopus Oliensis) "in Freselond, anointed and consecrated the four bells "of Tottoneys, namely, the great bell, in honour of All Saints, another, in honour of St. Mary the Virgin, "the third, in honour of St. Gabriel, and the fourth, "in honour of St. Katherine." An account is also given, in this roll, of the four royal roads made by King Belinus in England; of which the first, and principal, extended from South to North, beginning (tr.) :-* at "the corner of Cornwall that is at Tottenes, and ending at the extremity of Scotland that is at Catenese

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TION OF

TOINES.

[Caithness]." This roll was written probably about CORPORA A.D. 1450, and, though now imperfect, it contains several items of a miscellaneous character, that are probably of interest.

The volumes now in the possession of the Corporation, are but few in number :

A thin folio paper volume, in calf, with brass clasps, about one third filled, containing the Town Accounts A.D. 1643-1680.

A thick folio paper volume, of more than 800 pages. bound in leather, but in a dilapidated condition, containing the proceedings of the Mayor's Court and the Court of Frank-pledge, from A.D. 1672 to 1772.

A quarto volume, bound in parchment, of orders made at the Mayor's Court, from A.D. 1663 to 1834.

The following is a selection from the letters and miscellaneous papers, which, in considerable numbers, are still preserved in the drawers of the ancient chest, or hutch, at the Guildhall :

A Letter of attorney, in Latin, on parchment, with a small seal attached, date, 17th Edward IV. [A.D. 1477]. whereby John Luky, alias Hellas, servant to George Densell, Esqre., appoints Thomas, son of the said George, his attorney, to demand, and receive for him, of John Godeyke, the elder, of Totteneys, wevere, 2 horse, value 268. 8d., a saddle 6s. 8d., and a bridle 28.; which the said Godeyke had seized and still detained— "ad mei dampnum non modicum,"-to my no small damage.

A Letter from John Lewkenor, of Dartmouth, tc Thomas Martyn, Mayor of Totnes, dated 12th September 1636. It begins:-" Worshipfull.-I have been "intreated by Mr. Governor and the rest of the mer"chantes of Exon, to make known unto yourself and "the merchants of the towne, how farr I have waded "in the prosecution of the suite unto the King and "the Lords for some course to be taken to suppress "the Turks, and secure the trades. I have therefore "sent you herein inclosed the coppies of all the peti"tions which have bene preferred Unto

"this petition to my Lord Archbishopp [Laud], hee

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gave this answer, striking his hands upon his brest, "that while he had breth in his bodie, hee would, to "the uttermost of his power, advance a busines so "necessarie and consequentiall; and has assured me "that his Majestie would take such course, as that "within theis twelve moneths not a Turkish ship "should bee able to putt to sea; and at the board his "Grace was exceeding hartie in the busines." There are also several other letters and papers, among the Corporation documents, on this subject; among them, the following, of earlier date.

Copy of a Letter, dated Whitehall, 12 November 1619, signed (in copy) Lenox, G. Cant., Fra Verulam Canc., Hamilton, J. Digby, Foulke Grevill, Jul. Cæsar, and others, addressed to the Mayor of Dartmouth. It begins: After our very hartye recommendations."Whereas the expedition against pyratts, and espe"cially those of Argier and Tunis, was, for causes best "known to his Majestie, deferred and left of for a "whille: and that nevertheless you were required to

goe one in the meane tyme with your collection for "the leaving [levying] and gathering of the monyes, "thatt by a equall and indifferent allottment were laide uppon that porte, accordinge to former directions by "lettres from this boarde, to bee in readynes for the expenses of this expedition."-It goes on to say that it is his Majesty's present intention to proceed with the expedition next spring, and it is requested that the money collected, "shall be heere (at Whitehall) by the last day of the ensuing December. A postscript to the original letter to the Mayor of Dartmouth says:"You are to give notice to the Maior of Tottness to "have the monyes allotted upon thatt towne in reddy"nes heare, according to the tenor of this lettre." John Plumleigh, the Mayor of Dartmouth, then writes at the foot: Good Sir,-This is a coppy of a letter I "receaved this very daye; by the postscript of which you maye perceave I am willed to give you notice: theffect of which I leave to your good discretion, " and so to God I leave you. Dartmouth, this 22nd "of November 1619.-Yours to his power assured." Directed to Richard Lee, Mayor.

"worth and sufficyencie as shalbe voide of all excep❝tion. 'Besides the gentleman's owne "obligation, I shall also acknowledge it with much thankfulnes, and alwaies rest Your very assured lov"ing frende, Northampton. Northampton House, 20th February, 1613."

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A copy of the Answer to this Letter is also preserved. -"Right Honourable and verie good Lorde. Your Lordship's letter wee have recieved, written the xxth of "the last moneth, by which your Honour doth desire "to nomynate one of our burgesses for the now intended "Parliament. Soe it is (may it please your good Lord"ship) that wee are resolved to have one of our towns"men to be one; and Sir George Cary, Knight, our "Recorder (and to whom we are soe much bound as "ever Corporation hath bin to any man) hath, even

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uppon the first report of the Parliament, byn verie "earnest with us to have the nomination of the other; "to whom we have yelded as much as in us lyeth, " and that, longe before wee received your Honour's "letter; otherwise wee should have been verie ungrate"ful, if wee should not, uppon the least motion from your Lordship, have graunted your request. But yet our willingnes hath byn such, that dyvers of our "masters have sythence byn with Sir George Cary, "and have entreated his Worship to be pleased to "release us of our promyse; whose answeare is, that "he dowteth not but to give your Honour such satis"faction, as that you shalbe pleased with such a one as "hee shall nomynate. Praying your Honour to excuse us, wee all beinge verye sorry that wee had not heard sooner of your Lordship's intention; thus humblie craving your Honor's accustomed favor towardes us, "doe in all humilitie take our leaves. Your Lordship's, "at all commandment, the Maior and Masters of the Borough of Totnes. 1 Martii 1613. To oure most "Honourable Lord, Henry, Earle of Northampton, and "Lord Pryvye Seale, give these."

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ston, that you will elect him for your burgesse; he " is a verie honest gentleman, and a person verie capa"ble of serving you and his countrie, and very much "for the Church of England, I shall alwais own it as a great obligation to me, to be joyned with one that is soe deserving. Pray pardon this confidence, and be"leeve me to be yours and the Corporation's most obliged servant, and shall court all occasions to assure you that I am yours and the Corporation's "most faithful friend and servant. Henry Portman.My humble service to your Corporation; my service 66 to Mr. Wise."

A Letter, finely written; the part containing the direction is lost." Sir, The conjuncture of a Parliament, "likelie shortlie to proceed, makes mee to desire to "bee beholding unto you for one of the burgesshippes "of your towne for myself or my especiall friende; "which though it bee due unto mee by agreement, if otherwise it be not supplied by two to bee chosen withyn your towne, yet I shall therin bee, thankfull unto you for your love, findinge your readie goodwill "towardes me in that behalfe, which I pray accordingly to understand by your answere. And so, with my verie kind salutations, I reste your verie loving "friende, R. Edgecombe. Cuttell, vth of Februarie 1615."

A Notice." Having departed in sale the ffee ferme rente of Totnes, as also the anuyte of Lodswyll and Hewysh with my Lorde Edwarde Seymour, have thought good to advertyse you thereof, to the end you may accordingly paye your rente unto my seide Lorde, as the same shalbe dewe, and as I hope you "will doo. And so, with my right hartye commen"dations, doe beed you farewell. Cuttayle, the xth of "October 1581. Your lovinge frinde assured, P. Edg"cumbe. To the Worshipfull Mr. Mayor of Totnes, "and his brethren, be thes delivered." The Barony, or Honour, of Totnes, when thus sold by Sir Piers Edgcumbe to Lord Edward Seymour, had been in his family 96 years; having been granted to his ancestor,

Sir Richard Edgcumbe, on the attainder of John, Lord Zouche of Haryngworth, in 1485 or 86.

A copy of a Letter from Mr. Seymour, dated 25th of October 1603, stating that the King had given orders that no fairs should be held in the country,-“ durynge "such tyme as ytt shall please God to visit the same "in soe many places with sicknes." Having heard from the Mayor of Totnes, that some persons had determined to resort with their wares to the fair held there "at the usual time of Symon and Judge [sic for Jude]," he asks the Portreve of Bridgtown to appoint some "sufficient men to aid the Mayor in preventing it." Directed-"To the Portreve of the Borough of Bridg"town." Bridgtown, as already noticed, is a suburb, separated from Totnes by the River Dart.

A large quarto sheet of paper, purporting to be,"An accompte of what I, John Hawkings, have laide "oute for the nigher quarter for the guardes of Sir "Thomas Farefax army, by Master Philip Leay's order, "hee being then Maire of the towne, beeing the 11th "of January 1646." Nineteen twentieths of the items are sums paid for candles; the account for them beginning on the 11th of January, and the first variation in form being,-"Last of March 1646, to Coll. "Vowell gard pound of candell." The items other than payments for candles, are, "More for 12 faggots

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"2s. 4d. More for a cheese 1s." At the foot of the paper, in a bold hand, is written :-"I doe hearby testify that this barer, John Hawkyns, was one of "the Constables of this towne when General Farefax came hither, and I doo believe that hee has disburst soe much monye as is heare in his account exprest, or nere thereabouts, beinge in the yeare of my "Mayoralty, not this. I rest, Your humble servant, Philip Ley." On the outside is written:-Mar. 3, "1656" [not 1646]. "I John Hakinge doe quite all "farther clayme dew to mee from the towne by this "note. John Hawkyns."

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A number of receipts signed by [William Herbert] Earl of Pembroke, in the years 1622 and thereabouts, for the sum of 5 pounds, his yearly salary as High Steward of Totnes.

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A paper, headed " Mayor of the towne of Totnes.

"Ffees due to his Majestye's servants from the said Mayor for his homage to his Majestye [Charles I.] "passing through his said towne, the fourteenth day "of September 1625." It begins,-" To the gent. "ushers dayly wayters v li.," and ends,-" To the "coachman xs. To the yeomen harbingers_xx 8. "To the jester x s." The account is signed by Peter Newton; and the receipt, for 321. 3s. 4d., in all, by John Wilson.

A Letter, from Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, dated 2nd January 1634[5], and signed "Fra: Bedford." Having heard that the Town Clerk of Totnes is in danger of death, and that they-" have a personal resident in that towne, called Gillbert Elvely [Evely], whose parts and profession may, as I understande, entitle him to your "favour," it is his desire, in case the said Town Clerk shall die, that they shall receive Evely into the aforesaid place," he being a man without exception, as I am credibly given to understand. Thus, not doubting "of your favourable respects to him and mee, in this particular, I rest your very loving freinde."

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Another Letter, dated 12th May 1635, written by the Earl's Secretary (the previous one having been written probably by himself). Hearing that the Corporation have chosen Mr. Elveleigh to be "Under Steward, Towne "Clarke, and Clarke of the Peace," he heartily thanks them. The appointment, however, he hears, is to be held" ad bene placitum" [at their good pleasure], and with a restraint upon the holder of it following his practice." If soe, it is not answerable to my expecta

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tion, nor with that freedome as (by your letter) I "conceived; wherefore I desire you will grant the place to him as fully and freely as you did to his immediate predecessor, or at least tamdiu se bene gesserit [during his good behaviour]." The Earl then proceeds to urge various reasons why they should comply with his request. It may here be noticed, that there is a slip of paper among the Corporation documents, in English, of the earlier half of the 17th century, in which it is stated that Mr. Eveleigh, here mentioned, (who appears to have soon resigned his office,) had carried with him to London, in the year 1635, the Charter of Confirmation which had been granted to the town by King Henry VII.; and that Richard English, his servant, was enjoined, on behalf of the Corporation, to communicate with him on the subject. This Charter is now missing, and hence probably the loss. We

Account of a Rate made" for the setting forth of "5 sowdyers this yeare, beinge anno 1602."

Account of a Rate made-for the setinge owte of "sowderes for Her Majestyes service for Irlande."

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"A Roll indented of all the armes assessed on the "towne of Totnes, by the Deputie Lieutenants of this "countie; viz., Sir Edward Seymour, Knight_and "Baronet, Sir William Strode, Knight, and John Bampfeild, Esquire, and by Sir Edward Giles, Knight, Serjeant Major Generall of the said counties, made the "xvith day of August, anno Domini 1626." The names of the inhabitants are given, with the calyvers, halberds, muskets, or corslets, assessed upon them respectively. Endorsed. "A rate of arms."

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A paper writing, to the following effect:-"1646. "Monies disboursed and the charges layd out by me, "Richard Martin, the yonger, in the yeare I was Mayor, "1646 and 7, for the affaires of the town; for which I

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A Letter from Sir George Treby; without date, but a note in pencil is added.- December 14, 1731."-" Sir, "I am informed there is a voluntary subscription "intended for new casting your bells; and as I am very "desirous to contribute towards so good a work, I beg you, Mr. Justice, Mr. Buckley, Mr. Amyatt, &c., will please to subscribe for me what shall be judged necessary and proper to compleat it; which I will readily repay, and am, with great regard, your most obedient "humble servant, Geo: Treby. For the Worshipfull "Mr. Teape these."

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A note of those that have receyved their paye for one yeare, viz. in Mr. Phillipp Holding his yeare, anno "1624." A list of 58 names, with the sum of 16 pence against each. At the end is written,-" Paid the souldiers in Mr. Nicholas Wise his yeare anno 1626, primo die Junii.”

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The Collection for the Shippinge money in the year "of 1638, Henry Hames then being Mayor." In the Higher Quarter" of the town 131. 10s. is raised; in the "Middle Quarter" 457. 19s. 9d.; and in the "Lower Quarter" 471. 98. The "Denialls" come at the end, amounting to 6l. 158. The name of John Savery occurs among them, assessed at 5 shillings; of the same family probably, as Captain Thomas Savery, rendered famous by his early connexion with the history of the Steam Engine.

"A Booke of the town Sogeres mad when Mr. Philip Laye was Mayor, in the yeare 1635." In two columns, the twenty soldiers armed with pikes are entered; in four others, those armed with "shotte," 39 in number. Notes are added, stating with whose arms they are respectively armed. This so-called "book" contains six octavo paper leaves, some of them in blank.

A bond, entered into by Edward Seymour, to pay to Nicholas Slanninge 6 pounds, by the 25th of March

Agreement as to the church clock and chimes of Totnes, in an almost illegible hand." It is agreed "between the town of Totnes and William Hoppin, of "the Citty of Exon, clockmaker. That hee, the said "William Hoppin, shall at all tymes needfull, upon warning given him, repayre and mayntayn the clock"watch and cheams of the said towne, as in a deed wryttin and made between the sayd town and Mat"thew Hoppin, of the said city, deceased, apeareth. "And in consideration herof the said towne is to pay "him yearly, as formerly agreed on with the sayd "deceased Mathew Hoppin, and as yn the forseyd wrytting apeares. And the tyme for six year, the paye to begin at Michellmas next,,anno 1628. In

A small paper, containing "An account of moneyes "received for drunkenes, swearinge, and other misde meanours," and of such of the same "moneyes" were "disboursed and distributed unto the poor," A.D. 1633, 4. The items are in general fines levied for misdemeanours, and for keeping disorderly houses; one of them being thus worded-"More received by the hands "of Nicholas Codner, Constable, for the disorder of a fishmonger. . 38. 4d." The expenditure is mostly upon poor widows, shrouds for the bodies of the needy, and the burial of the dead among the poorer classes.

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Copy (apparently) of a communication by Edward Seymour to the authorities of Totnes, dated 30th of March 1602. Having heard at 8 o'clock on that day from the Lord Lieutenant of the County that the Spaniards are preparing to "come for England with a greate force," the authorities are requested, "at some conveynyent tyme in the Easter weeke, to take veiwe "of all the armes appertaynynge to the trayned soldyers," and to make certificate to his Lordship, the Lord Lieutenant, thereon. They are also requested togeve direction for the dew watchinge of beakens, as in former tyme hath byn accustomed.-Hereof fayle you not, as you will aunswer the neglecte at your perill.

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Copy of the Doctors' Certificate for the admission of Nicholas Harris into the Almshouse of Totnes, in 1626: a paper written in a fine, and indeed beautiful, hand. It begins,-"To the right Worshippful the President, Censores, and the rest of the learned and juditious Doctors of Phisic of that famous and renowned Colledge "in the honourable Cittie of London.-The humble "Petition of Nicholas Harris, late footpost (for almost "40 yeares together) for ye towne of Tottnes, in Devon"shire.-Right worshippfull and worthie Doctors. It "is not unknowne to many worshippful and others, "both of this honourable Cittie and also in ye country, "that I have done longe, faithfull, and painefull ser"vice in my place many yeares, to the irrecuperable decay of my aged and benummed carkaise. In regard whereof (for my maintenance during ye rest of my "irkesome life) it pleased some of that towne of Tottnes (my worshipfull and worthie good frendes), to appointe me a beinge in an Almeshouse there, which was my "desired content." He then goes on to say that the magistrates of the town having been informed that he was-"an uncleane manne, and a leaper, not fitte to come or be admitted into the company of cleane persons," he had been suspended, until either he should be cured, or should-" by good testymony certify that he was "not so infected and polluted." He then continues, 'In regarde whereof, I, your poor petitioner, have, "undertaken a long and tedious journey to this honour"able cittie, and made my humble petition to ye right worshipfull the President, Governors, and Chirurgions "of St. Bartholmewes Hospital, craveing to be viewed; "which they did accordingly, and certifie their opinions, as by the said certificate under some of their handes "appeareth." He therefore prays for an examination by members of the College at an early moment. A copy of the certificate given to him thereupon by the College of Physicians, then follows:-"Wee, whose names are underwritten, upon this Petition have "veiwed the body of this Petitioner, and in our cen sures he is free from ye imputed disease. Tho. "Woundeser [sic], Pres. Coll. Med. Lond. John Argent, "Nich. Andrewes, Sy. Baskervile, Censors. Matth. Gwynn, Regestarius."

A Letter from Sir John Gilbert and George Cary to the Mayor of Totnes, dated 13th of August 1595, stating that it had been the order of the Privy Council that the towns in the County should have in perfect readiness large quantities of powder and match; and that the amount expected to be provided by the town of Totnes was one last of powder and 5 hundredweight of match. A Letter, addressed-"To our verie louinge freind "Mr. William Ducke, Mayor of Totnes, in the Countie " of Devon," dated 3rd May 1603. It states that the gunpowder provided by order in the time of the late Queen, may, if kept longer, prove unserviceable; the Mayor is therefore empowered to sell it, "for the bene "fitte of the towne," care being taken that, upon like warning, the same quantity be hereafter provided, and had in readiness. Signed by T. Ellesmere Canc., T. Dorset, E. Worcester, Devonshire, H. Northampton,

Cranbourne, E. Bruce, and J. Herbert. This Letter is in a mutilated condition.

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A Letter to the Mayor of Totnes, dated 28th of April 1609, signed R. Salisbury [the Lord Treasurer]. He states that "great losse and trouble hath divers times "heretofore, and especially of late, happened to the "merchants tradinge [in] Fraunce, by reason of the deceipt and disloyalty of English cloth which hath "bin transported thether by way of marchandise." His Majesty therefore,-" out of his princely care to his subjects in generall, and particularly for the setlinge of "the said trade, hath passed a treatie of late with the "French King." The Mayor is to make the same known, and is to send to his Lordship "the names of all such meer marchants inhabitinge here, as are willing "to be conjoyned in that trade," by the 30th of June then next ensuing.

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A Letter, signed by William [Bourchier] Lord Bath, dated 24th of May 1599, addressed-"To my verye good "frende Mr. Phillipp Holdinge, Mayor of the towne of "Totnes." Complaints having been made that the town is "surcharged" in the matter of keeping supplies of powder, match, and lead, in conformity with the order of the Privy Council; for the present his Lordship (as Lord Lieutenant) thinks it sufficient to order the town to keep in readiness 18 cwt. "of good and ser"viceable powder with matche and lead aunswerable "to the same; which is the verye proportion appoynted to the towne of Barnestaple, wherein you cannot find "yourselves surcharged.'

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A Letter, in French, written on foolscap, in a beautiful hand, dated at St. Malo, 15th of June 1603, from M. Moreau; but addressed in an English hand "to his very good frind Mr. Wm. Yeo, Totnes, this be delivered, "J. Amy." M. Moreau's French is of a somewhat provincial complexion; but it seems that he had shown great kindness to Mr. Yeo's son, and received him into his house for nearly 4 months; and that this young man had now gone away without saying adieu to him, or paying any of the expenses incurred for his support; the same, with the money lent for taking him out of prison, so as to be able to prepare for his trial, being 48 crowns, 2 sols, and 9 deniers. His great fear is that the young man has taken to flight through apprehension that he might annoy him for repayment of this debt; a thing that he had already assured him he never would do. He suggests, however, that the father might pay him for his son's board and lodging, remitting the money either by "the Sieur Roger Yo" of the city of Exeter, or by "the Sieur Simon Crom," the bearer of the letter.

A Letter from John Colt to Mr. Humber and Mr. Short, "Constables in Tottnes,' "dated at Market Lavington, in Wiltshire, 8th of January 1627. If they have not already sent away his "Captaines arms," they are to "keep all the musquetts, and bandaleers, and

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rests, and as many of the best corsletts, gorgetts, "and head peeces, as conveniently a horse will bringe." If Mr. Mayor has not sent the 5 pounds which Colt left with him, to his "Ensigne, to Plymouth," the bearer of this letter is to receive the money; and-"if ye two "souldiers in my Captanes Company bee recouered, "send them away, and give them stockings, shoes, "and shirts, and furnish them with so much money "above their conduct as you look to be rewarded for in "heaven: their names are Barnard Farrall and Anthony "Suerdale."

A Letter to the Mayor and burgesses of Totnes, dated the 9th of January 1612, and signed "W. Exon." [William Cotton, Bishop of Exeter.] It is the desire of his Majesty and the Archbishop of Canterbury that Collections be made throughout the kingdom for the reformed Churches, and the College, in the City of Prague, in Bohemia. The Mayor is therefore requested to have the contribution duly made, and to make a return within a certain time of the names of the givers, and the amounts contributed.

Copy of a Letter written by Philip Holdeche, Mayor of Totnes, dated 29th December 1598, to Mr. Nycholas Hayman, merchant in Dartmouth. It is acknowledged that the town of Totnes is indebted to him, with a request for forbearance on his part, and that he will accept payment in yearly sums of 20 pounds. Mr. Hayman's answer, apparently, or rather the beginning of it, is appended. He speaks of having received 20 pounds by Richard Buggyn, "which was Mrs. Carswell's monie." He further says," That year that I was Maior of "Tottnes, the towne was infected with plage."

A Letter, directed to the Earl of Bath, Her Majesty's Lieutenant of the County of Devon, dated at Harfielde, (in Middlesex), the 1st of August 1602; and signed by Tho. Egerton, T. Buckhurst, E. Worcester, W. Knollys,

Ro. Cecyll, and others. They inform the Lord Lieutenant that, according to a Petition lately presented, the inhabitants of Totnes complain of having been too heavily charged by one of the Deputy Lieutenants, towards finding their proportion of powder and match. They further complain that this is done " for some pri"vatt respecte of unknydnes;" wherefore the consideration and examination of their complaint is referred by the Council to the Lord Lieutenant. A Letter of his, probably in reference to this complaint, but about nine months later in date, has already been noticed.

A Letter, written by Sir George Carey, 28th of September 1601, to the Mayor of Totnes and his brethren, begging them to bestow a burgesshipp (membership of Parliament) upon Mr. Thomas Watson, and making great promises of friendship in return.

A Letter from the said Mr. Thomas Watson, dated Mugwell Street [now Monkwell Street, London], 13th of October 1601, to the Mayor of Totnes, on the same subject. He speaks of the above application, in his favour, by Sir George Carey, "whose agent I am heare," and says, that if he is chosen, he will be ready to do the town any service he may: :-"I beseeche you be pleased "to geve me speedy notice thereof, because happely I may provide myself of some other, either by my Lord "Treasurer or Mr. Secretary whose offers I have "hetherto refused, because Mr. Treasurer [? Sir George Carey] was desirous to confer this uppon me, as "well to doe your towne service for this tyme, as to "binde me to affecte your busines heareafter in his "absence, whereof he gave me many principles before "bis departure. If you shall desire to answere me, my “house is in Mugwell Streete, next house to ye Lord "Windsors, near Creeplegate.'

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A Letter to the Mayor of Totnes, dated London, 22nd November 92 [1692], and signed "E. W. Seymour." He is sorry to hear of the weak condition of Sir Henry Fowell. As he is either dead or beyond any possibility of recovery, when Totnes shall be vacant, he shall desire to recommend-"one Mr. Thomas Colston, a con"siderable merchant of this cytty, who is quallifi'd with very good abylities and integrity, and will be ready uppon all occasions to serve you and his country, in "such a manner that is very much wanting in other Devonshyre elections. And though we have allready a greatt many worthy gentelmen for our repiescnta"tives, yet I may say without reproach, they are to "much men off pleasure to doe buysnesse. Its for this reason I recommend him with the more earnestnesse, "and am fully assur'd that he will not only prove a good patryot to his country, but a benefactor to your town." Mr. Thomas Colston was eventually elected. A Letter, signed "Henry Portman," in his behalf, has already been noticed.

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An "Accompt for the Drums," 1660, clearly written. The first item is,-" For our paynes two days, at the "entrance of the Spanish Embassador, att 28. 6d. each "drum per day, being 3 drums, 158." The next,— "For two drums 20 nights each, in our watching. "21. For our paynes for 2 days, viz., summoning the companies, and likewise for attendance on the service on the day of his Majesties Coronation, besides our expenses. . . 15s."

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A long Letter to the Mayor of Totnes, from Mr. Nicholas Goodridge, who had been Mayor in 1586, 7, dated 11th of January 1601. It is very closely written, and in a hand so cramped as to be almost illegible. He treats of abuses connected with the Alms-house, and gives several instances of waste of the town powder and match:-" But sythens there was taken out in my absence, by my brother Bab and Mr. Leonard Dode one barrell, which was shut [shot] awaye when my "Lord of Bathe was at Tottenes; and one barrell taken "out by Mr. Rychard Bogans when therle of Es"seckes retourned from the Portengall action; and one " barrell of powder, when I sent for the judges to Totte"nes, when I was fyrste Mayor in anno 1586 and anno "1587; besides divers others." A "Mr. John Fawkes" is mentioned in the letter, a "Mr. Savery," and "Mr. "John Dupourt's house."

Mr. Francis Benthall, of Old Square, Lincoln's Inn, very obligingly informs me, that he has in his pos

session a volume, or rather, fragment of a volume, of Plaints in the Mayor's Court of Totnes, from the 21st year of James I. to the 6th of Charles I. [A.D. 1623–31]. The book is a paper volume, of folio size, in a vellum cover, a great part of its original contents, in Latin, being lost. What remains of it contains nothing of interest, he tells me: in one or more instances, an Alderman is mentioned as holding the Court, without any statement being subjoined that, in so doing, he is acting as Deputy to the Mayor.

HENRY THOMAS RILEY.

THE CITY OF WELLS.-ADDITIONAL REPORT.

The City of Wells had a separate jurisdiction of its own, with its own magistrates and juries, down to the time of the Municipal Corporations Reform Act. By the kind favour of W. J. S. Foster, Esq., the Town Clerk, and at the suggestion of Mr. Serel, of the Town Clerk's Office, I have recently availed myself of the opportunity of examining the earlier of the Sessions' Books that still survive; and the following are some notices of their

contents:

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The first book is a small folio volume, of about 600 pages, without a cover, and in a mutilated state, extending from A.D. 1600 to 1621, the 19th year of James the First. The earlier entries are but brief, and the writing so indistinct as to be almost illegible. Many of the earliest presentments are of persons alleged to be strangers," and suspected of being "Southsayers and cungerers." P. 30, date 1606,-" All these under"written are tipplers within the cittie of Welles, but "whether with licence or withowt, we knowe not." The following are mentioned as "auntient innes" at Wells in 1606, the landlords of which were then presented for selling ale against the assize of "one quart of "the best for a penny, and two quarts of the smalest for a penny:"-the Hartes Head, the Swan, the Crown, the Red Lion, the George, the Bell, the Christopher, the Bushe in the Wall, the Starre, the Katherine Weale, the Maire Maide, the Three Horse Loaves, and the Bare [Bear]. The owners also are presented, of the Flower de Luce, and the Queenes Armes, each "an new erected inn," as also, the King's Head, a new inn. Their offence seems in general to have been that of selling a smaller quantity of ale than a quart, and charging for it one penny, the assize price of one quart of the best. Among the presentments of this year (1606) is also the following:

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We present William Leuce, for kepinge as undertenauntes in his house Cornelius Johnson, his wief, "and one child; and the said Cornelius practized surgerie contrarie to the lawe, beinge never an apprentice, as farr as we know, and hath not put a "securitie to discharge the towne, as he was comanded; " and further, the said Cornelius hath taken in under "him one Lacie and his wief, havinge one childe, and "she great with another." The presentment, if we may judge from a note added, appears to have been deemed not sufficient. In the same year also, William Leach is presented-" for that he did in his house kepe "carding and dicing after 8 of the clocke at night." In 1608, the 5th of James I., Edward Hort, "brewer and "tiplerr," is presented," for that he did keep and

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maintaine in his house aforesaid unlawfully a common "shufflebord, whereuppon diverse persons resorted to play." Other presentments are, for drawing blood upon persons, sometimes strangers unknown, and for not attending at the Parish Church for so many Sabbath days. At fol. 123 (7th James I.), is an entry in Latin, to the following effect (tr.):-" John Antonie the Younger, Henry Antonie, William Pontet, and Robert "Tauntone, at Welles aforesaid, played at unlawful

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games, to wit, bowls [Por marbles, "globos"], in "time of divine service [divino servitiæ] against the "form of the Statute." Fol. 133, A.D. 1610," Also, we present that John Tarrant, the inkeper of the Starr, "the ixth day of December 1609, being a Saterday, did "dresse in his house one piece of boyled beefe, and "then and there did put the said boyled beefe and "one ribb of rost beefe to sale; the same being a "ffishe day, and a day prohibited to eate fleshe by the "Stat. of 5 Elizabeth.' At fol. 188, A.D. 1612, there is the following presentment by the Jury (tr. from the Latin):--" Michael Alford of Welles butcher,' on the "2nd day of November in the reign, etc., slaughtered one buil, and sold the flesh thereof to divers lieges "and subjects of our lord the King, whereas the bull "aforesaid was not first "pulsatus,' in English bayten ;'

against the form of the Statute in such case provided." Five other butchers are also presented for killing bulls, which had not first been baited. At this period, charges for common barretry are not unfrequent; as also, for exercising trades, the parties not having been apprenticed thereto for seven years within the City of Wells. At fol. 226, A.D. 1615, one Henry Filer is presented for exercising (tr. from the Latin):a mistery or manual occupation, in English called "a tayler,' unlawfully, and for his own proper_gain, "then and there, he making divers vestments and also "certain binders, in English called 'collers,' and a breast-piece [thoracium] in English called dublette,' "etc.". His fine here was 40 shillings, and in fol. 231 he is further charged with making "cruralia," or "hose." In 1615 (fol. 232) Edward Christofer is presented for keeping an unlawful place in his house, namely," a bowling-alley." In 1617 (fol. 234),—“ Item, "they (the street wardens) present William Lewce, "baker, for that wee cannot kepe his pigges out of the "Market-place." In the same year (fol. 240) Joanna Cotton is presented as,--" a common scolde, a disturber " of the and a sower of strife among her neighpeace, "bours, a true bill being found against her. In 1618 "Jacke Stonadge" is presented as unlawfully following the trade of a tailor, and, among other clothes, making "induciam,' a waistcoat." Also, Henry Dolyn, late of Welles, baker, and Joanna, his wife, are similarly presented for having unlawfully followed the trade of a tailor, and having made" quasdam tuniculas, Anglice "dictas jerkyns,' et brakarias, Anglice, 'breeches';" "tunicles, in English called jerkyns,' and braccaria, " in English, breeches."" John Holman is also charged with making "subligacula," in English, "breeches." True bills are found against them all. In 1619 the name of Thomas Maundrell occurs, as among the "tiplers," presented for selling ale at more than the assize price of one penny for a quart of the best. A somewhat famous Eastern traveller (Henry Maundrell) also bore the same surname, at a later date. Thomas Fleyer and William Legg are mentioned as the " Verderers for "Chamberlain Strete," in 1619.

The Second Volume of the Sessions' Books begins in February 1626, and ends in 1650: it is a folio, containing about 300 pages, in a loose parchment cover, and in somewhat better condition than the preceding one. The second year of Charles the First seems to be entirely omitted. The earlier portion of the volume appears to be almost wholly occupied with entries of recognizances, admissions in actions of debt, and proceedings in cases of affiliation, and assault and violence. Under 1647 there are various informations against persons for working on "Saboth days." Under the 13th of May 1647 is the following entry:-"James Pearce appeareth, and confesseth himself to bee a Catho"lique, and saith hee hath not beene at St. Cuthbert's "Church by the space of 3 yeares last past, and will "live and dye in that religion, and doeth hope to bee "saved by Christ and his Apostles: and therefore hee "is admonished to reforme himself, and the Justices "will consider of it." The following is the sentence passed on Anne Morgan, under date 22nd June 1649, she being a widow, and of loose life :-" It is ordered "that the said An Morgan shall be imprisoned until Saturday morning's market, and then to be set in the "stockes, neare the place wher the woodden horse is "to stand, which is appointed to be at the upper end ""of the market, during the tyme that one Hue, a

soldyer, shall ride the woodden horse. And after "that tyme, to be washed in the Pallace Moote, and "then to be brought downe to the prison, and ther "to remayne during the pleasure of the Mayor and "Justice. Barth". Cox, Maior, Thos. Salmon." above is followed by-" The information of Edward "Curll, of Batcombe, Sequestrator, against Elizabeth "Oldmixen; taken before Bartholomew Cox, Maior, "and Thomas Salmon, Justice, 22 August 1649. That "the said Elizabeth Oldmixen was in the house of "Richard Mogg of Wells (the 6th day of this instant August), whose estate this informant, by order of "thee Comittee for advance of money, sitting in the Painted Chamber, Westminster, did seize and secure, "and did lock the studdy doore, and in it sealed a trunke, which was very heavy: which lock of the studdy doore was thee next morning found to be "unlockt, and so hampered that the key would neither "lock nor unlock it, and the leather of the trunk about "the lower seale of the trunk cut round, and so the "trunk opened, and that which was in it taken out, "which was of most value, and thee cut leather sealed "downe again; there being in the trunke, as this